variants
also cagy
1
as in slick
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
a cagey old politician who is exceptionally skilled at getting federal money for his district
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hesitant
slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty
when it came time to sign the contract, he suddenly got cagey about taking on the job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cagey
This wry, lovelorn plaint is a cagey display of subtle dynamics and counterpoint on a lone electric guitar.
—
Jon Pareles, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
This was a very tough spot against a big, cagey Vegas team that’s been constructed like something of a reverse image of the Canucks.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
During a 2022 interview with The Hollywood Reporter to promote his Kevin Hart-Mark Wahlberg comedy Me Time, Hamburg was cagey when asked if another Meet the Parents sequel could happen.
—Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024
Asked about plot details, Kendrick is cagey.
—Eric Andersson, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cagey
Jon Pareles, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
This was a very tough spot against a big, cagey Vegas team that’s been constructed like something of a reverse image of the Canucks.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
During a 2022 interview with The Hollywood Reporter to promote his Kevin Hart-Mark Wahlberg comedy Me Time, Hamburg was cagey when asked if another Meet the Parents sequel could happen.
—Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024
Asked about plot details, Kendrick is cagey.
—Eric Andersson, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cagey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cagey
Adjective
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In that world, the spoils won’t go to whoever mints the slickest dollar clone, but to whoever owns the outlets— the wallets, apps, and merchant relationships—through which those dollars ultimately flow.—
Christian Catalini,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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However, experts warn that the light continuously remaining on could indicate that stability and control could be compromised—notably on slick or slippery roads and during certain conditions.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Turner announced his new relationship on an April 2025 podcast episode Turner was initially hesitant to share the identity of his new girlfriend, but began talking about his new relationship in April 2025.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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This demonstrates how even those driving innovation are often hesitant to embrace its full implications.—
Sabeer Nelliparamban,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Esme forgoes a generic entreaty at the feet of her girlboss and instead makes a cunning personal plea for better judgment from her mentor.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
25 Apr. 2025
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John Krasinski plays Luke, a cunning art thief in the action adventure thriller Fountain of Youth, and puts his skills to good use.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Man Utd fans explain their song of defiance United fans have turned to Bonnie Tyler in a season of heartache Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Mikel Arteta has been reluctant to discuss his own musical tastes publicly.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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Ja-young not only realizes what’s going on but accepts her grandson’s decision, becoming a reluctant ally in the charade.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Save on breezy skirts, cute jeans, and stretchy yoga pants that are ideal for travel.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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If the writing can get cute, there lies within it a palpable appreciation for people who dedicate themselves to a brutally challenging and relatively under-rewarded pursuit.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Given the volume of legally dubious activity, some of the administration’s unlawful actions will inevitably advance before litigation can stop them.—
Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar,
Foreign Affairs,
18 Apr. 2025
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In The Hulk, Ross uses dubious means to hunt down Bruce Banner.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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And Luis Guzmán makes a welcome appearance as Mia’s wily Uncle Raul, whose scrapyard is a front for criminal sidelines.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2025
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The story arc, anchored by George Bizet’s famous musical score, focuses the narrative on Don José, the Spanish soldier who falls for the wily Carmen and her charms.—
Lisa Vernon Sparks,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Getting Jones in Round 5 in 2022 was a shrewd move, but the Bears need more Day 2 and Day 3 hits.—
Brad Biggs,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2025
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John Malone, the shrewd and far-sighted media mogul and key ally of David Zaslav, has decided not to stand for re-election to Warner Bros. Discovery‘s board of directors.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cagey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cagey. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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